When Curtis Stone, host of Bravo's Around the World in 80 Plates and Top Chef Masters, realized he wanted to be a chef, he left Australia and headed for Europe. After traveling around a few months, he landed in London at the doorstep of Marco Pierre White.

I've since discovered that warm 7-grain cereals make great savory side dishes. Start with some sautéed onions and garlic, then follow the directions for cooking the cereal; finally, stir in some herbs at the end.

The event turned out to bring in an odd mix of industry insiders and food network enthusiasts, who have never heard of superstar chefs José Andres and Thomas Keller, but flock to see Giada De Laurentiis and Gail Simmons.